The word had barely left her mouth before my inner beast snapped.
In a fraction of a second, the air exploded with power as I fully shifted. The sheer force of my transformation and the sudden blast of kinetic energy knocked Lydia off her feet, sending her sprawling backward onto the gravel path.
I lunged forward, standing directly over her trapped, trembling body. I was an massive, magnificent wolf, radiating pure royal power. I lowered my head, my jaw bared as a deep, chest-vibrating growl rattled the trees around us, pinning her to the ground under the sheer weight of my dominance.
Looking down, I saw the exact moment absolute surprise and paralyzing fear took over her eyes. She stared up at my massive form, choking on her breath.
"Your... your wolf..." she stammered, her voice a te
